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Saturday, November 19, 2016

Gift Idea - DIY Corn Heating Pads

Happy Saturday! It's been a cold and gloomy day here so far. Most of my day has been spent doing laundry and watching Hallmark Christmas movies by the warm wood stove with Audrey. All these Christmas movies have me really excited to decorate for Christmas, but I'm still holding off until after Thanksgiving. Speaking of Christmas, have you started your shopping yet? I've bought a few things, but I'd like to add in a few homemade gifts this year as well. If you enjoy making gifts, then this could be a good gift idea for you!

We all love microwavable corn heating pads around here, even our kids. The ones we had were finally wearing out, so instead of buying new ones, I decided to make them. I made several so we could also give them as Christmas gifts. To make them extra special I added in dried lavender because I love the soothing, calming scent. I omitted the lavender for my husband, he isn't a fan.

We are loving these so much. I want to share all the details with you all in case you want to make a few as well!

First you need to decide what size you would like to make. I folded a piece of fabric (2 yards) in half, and was able to cut out 9 larger rectangles and 3 smaller ones, totaling 12 heating pads all together. I chose blue ticking fabric because I love the vintage look. We always have these heating pads lying around so they might as well match our decor! I pre-washed the fabric before hand.

Place like sides to like sides to sew your heating pad together, making sure to leave an open place to pour in the corn.

Before turning the fabric right side out be sure to trim the excess fabric on each corner.

Turn the fabric right side out.

Now that the heating pad is turned right side out it's time to iron. This is an important step because it makes sewing the zig zag stitch (not sure the actual stitch name) around the perimeter much easier and neater.

After ironing, I used the zig zag stitch around the edges to create more durability and a more finished look.

Now it's time to fill it up!

For my heating pads, which measure approximately 10.5 inches by 8.5 inches, I used 3 to 4 little medicine cups full of dried lavender and 4 to 5 cups of corn. I found that using a funnel made the process of filling up the bags much easier.

Sew up the opening and you're ready to enjoy your new corn heating pad or package it up beautifully to give as a gift!

Instructions for use:

Place corn bag in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. For cold use, place corn pad in a sealed freezer bag and place in the freezer.

I hope this has inspired you to DIY a few Christmas gifts this year! If you're not into crafting but would love to have one of these of your own or to give as a gift, I have listed a few in my Etsy store available for purchase!